Former Plainfield police officer given probation for DWI crash

NORTH PLAINFIELD -- A former Plainfield police officer who injured a woman in an alcohol-fueled car crash was spared jail time today when a judge accepted a plea agreement that gives him three years probation.

Rodney Sanders, 40, pleaded guilty to third-degree assault by auto, as well as two other crimes, in the July 31, 2007, crash on Route 22 in North Plainfield. The 18-year veteran officer -- who had been suspended without pay -- has forfeited his job, surrendered his driver's license for two years and must complete 30 days of community service for his guilty plea.

Patti Sapone/The Star-LedgerRodney Sanders, a former Plainfield police officer, in Superior Court in Somerset County in February.

He will forfeit his right to ever work in public service again if Superior Court Judge Paul Armstrong accepts that portion of a plea deal at a Sept. 22 court appearance.

Armstrong, sitting in Somerville, suspended a 60-day jail sentence because Sanders already spent that amount of time in an inpatient program for alcohol abuse -- more than the 28 days the court was requiring.

Sanders' attorney, Scott Mitzner, said that was evidence of his client's attempts to bring about real change in his life by dealing with his alcoholism.

"He's gone above and beyond and addressed the root of the problem," Mitzer said in court today.

After the 3-car crash, a woman had to be treated for pains in her neck and back.

Sanders' blood-alcohol level tested .23 -- nearly three times the legal limit. This was Sanders' second drunk-driving conviction.